BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands is emerging as a strong competitor in the Pacific kava industry, with increasing exports to the United States and other international markets.

Speaking at a side event during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara last week, Technical Chair of the Pacific Working Kava Group, Mr. Feiloakitau Tevi, praised the progress of local kava producers.

Mr. Tevi is also the Chair of the Kava Committee Tonga and Advisor Palace Officer for Tonga.

Unlike other Pacific nations where kava is traditional, the crop was only introduced into Solomon Islands in the 1990s. Since then, production has steadily grown, and in recent years a boom has been observed, particularly with exports.

He said the Pacific Forum Trade Working Group, through the Pacific Kava Groups, is exploring potential markets to boost regional kava trade.

“There are about seven kava-producing countries in the region, and one of the key markets we are targeting is the US, along with the EU and other parts of the world,” Mr. Tevi said.

He revealed that Solomon Islands recently shipped two 40-foot containers of kava, about 16,000 kilograms of roots, mostly from Malaita to the United States.

“That is the most recent export. Over the year 2024, Solomon Islands exported 13 tons of kava,” he added, noting the significant growth in the sector.

Mr. Tevi also highlighted the success of the inaugural Pacific Regional Kava Festival, held in Tonga in May this year during the Pacific Week of Agriculture. The event, he said, was an outcome of the Regional Kava Strategy.

He confirmed that Solomon Islands has been selected to host the next Pacific Regional Kava Festival before the 55th Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau next year.

“I think Malaita is holding its hand up to host the Regional Kava Festival. So, we look forward to coming back to Solomon Islands to enjoy the islands — and of course, the kava,” Mr. Tevi said.

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